Chidambaram blames migrants for rise in crimes in Delhi

He says many migrants have a kind of behaviour which is unacceptable in cities.

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Headlines Today Bureau

New Delhi

December 13, 2010

UPDATED: December 13, 2010 15:39 IST

File photo of Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram.

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday triggered an outrage by linking the rising incidents of rape and other crimes in Delhi to the migrants' influx.

The home minister said more crimes take place in the city as it attracts large number of migrants. He said migrants who settle in unauthorised colonies indulge in "unacceptable behaviour".

"I condemn every crime in Delhi, especially the crime of rape . There is nothing more heinous... perhaps only murder is equally heinous. Rape is a heinous crime. Nevertheless crime takes place because Delhi attracts a large number of migrants," Chidambaram said.

"There are large numbers of unauthorised colonies (in Delhi). These migrants who settle in unauthorised colonies carry a kind of behaviour which is unacceptable in any modern city. So crimes do take place, he added.

Chidambaram thus clearly tried to cover the Delhi Police's failure to check crimes by pinning the blame on migrants. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had earlier made migrants as punching bag but had quickly retracted her statement.

The home minister's outrageous remark on migrants triggered an avalanche of reactions. Leaders across the political spectrum lambasted him for linking Delhi's rising crime to the migrant influx.